Concrete forming structure frame locking device

ABSTRACT

A locking device for use with a concrete framing structure having a plurality of frame panels which form opposed first and second sides. The locking device includes first and second locking halves, each having a mounting member for rigidly holding one of the frame panels of the first and second sides, respectively, of the concrete forming structure. Each locking half also has a horizontal, U-shaped extension member mounted to the mounting member, with the extension member of the first locking half disposed within the second extension member channel. A clamp assembly includes a U-shaped clamp member having first and second arm segments extending downwardly from a saddle segment. Each of the arm segments has an opening for receiving the extension members. A bolt having a shaft threadably engaged in a threaded orifice in the clamp member saddle segment is torqued to lock the first mounting member at a predetermined distance from the second mounting member.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to concrete forming structures. More particularly, the present invention relates to apparatus for interlocking forms utilized in molding concrete footings and curbing.

Reusable, multi-paneled forms are usually used for molding concrete structures such as footings. Such forms generally require additional elements with which to interlock the opposed panels such that the sides of the form are rigidly locked at a predetermined distance which defines the width of the footing. Conventional locking devices commonly require insertion of portions of a rod through complementary openings in the panels. Use of these locking devices requires aligning the complementary openings, a procedure which can be time consuming. Further, the rod generally have a fixed length and therefore provide no flexibility with respect to setting the width of the footing.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly stated, the invention in a preferred form is a locking device for use with a concrete framing structure having a plurality of frame panels which form opposed first and second sides. The locking device includes first and second locking halves, each having a mounting member for rigidly holding one of the frame panels of the first and second sides, respectively, of the concrete forming structure. Each locking half also has a horizontal, U-shaped extension member mounted to the mounting member. Each extension member has a base segment connecting oppositely disposed leg segments, the base and leg segments forming a channel. The extension member of the first locking half is receivable within the second extension member channel. A clamp assembly includes a U-shaped clamp member having first and second arm segments extending downwardly from a saddle segment. Each of the arm segments has an opening for receiving the extension members. A threaded shaft of a bolt is threadably engaged in a threaded orifice in the clamp member saddle segment. The bolt tip engages an upper surface of the second extension member base segment. The first mounting member is locked at a predetermined distance from the second mounting member by torquing the clamp assembly bolt, whereby a bottom surface of each clamp member leg segment opening engages a bottom edge of each leg segment of the first extension member to clamp the first extension member to the second extension member.

The height of the leg segments of the first extension member are substantially equal to the height of the leg segments of the second extension member. Accordingly, the leg segments of the first extension member extend below the leg segments of the second extension member when the first extension member is disposed within the second extension member channel.

A support bracket for suspending an object between the frame panels of the concrete framing structure may be mounted on one of the extension members.

The support bracket includes a bracket member forming a channel having an opening, with the extension member being inserted through the opening into the channel. A bolt removably mounts a clamp member to the bracket member, such that the clamp member closes at least a portion of the opening to retain the extension member in the channel.

The bracket member includes a U-shaped engagement section and a mounting segment extending substantially horizontally from the engagement section. The mounting segment has at least one opening for receiving a wire or a string mounted to an end of the object. The engagement section of the bracket member includes first and second side portions and a top portion connecting the first and second side portions, the side portions and the top portion form the channel for receiving the extension member. A threaded nut mounted to the inner surface of the second side portion is coaxial with the opening. The nut is threadably engageable with a threaded shaft of the bolt.

The clamp member is C-shaped including a top portion, a bottom portion and a side portion connecting the top and bottom portions. The top and bottom portions and the side portion form a channel for receiving the second side portion of the bracket member engagement section.

It is an object of the invention to provide a new and improved device for locking the sides of a footing form in place.

It is also an object of the invention to provide a footing frame locking device which is easier to install than conventional devices.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the drawings and specification.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention may be better understood and its numerous objects and advantages will become apparent to those skilled in the art by reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a footing frame having a footing frame locking device in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 2 is a front view, partly in phantom of the footing frame locking device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a curbing frame locking device in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the footing frame locking device of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a top view of the curbing frame locking device of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective view of the clamp assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of area VII-VII of FIG. 4;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a variation of the footing frame, having a support bracket in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged side view of the support bracket of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a top view of the bracket member of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a rear view of the bracket member of FIG. 9; and

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the clamp member of FIG. 9.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

With reference to the drawings wherein like numerals represent like parts throughout the several figures, a concrete forming structure frame locking device in accordance with the present invention is generally designated by the numeral 10, 10′. With reference to FIG. 1, a number of frame panels 12, 12′ are arranged in coplanar array to define each side 14, 14′ of the concrete forming structure 16. For footing frames, the two sides 14, 14′ are generally positioned as substantially parallel rows to partially enclose a space at the position where the concrete footing is to be located. For curbing frames, the side opposite the road is positioned substantially perpendicular to the surface and the side facing the road is positioned at an obtuse angle to the road to partially enclose a space at the position where the concrete curb is to be located. Each frame panel 12, 12′ has an inner side 18, 18′ which faces the inner side 18′, 18 of a frame panel 12′, 12 of the other row and an oppositely disposed outer side 20, 20′. The inner sides 18, 18′ of the frame panels 12, 12′ and the ground disposed therebetween define the concrete forming structure 16, with the distance D1 between the inner sides 18, 18′ defining the thickness of the concrete structure. The frame panels 12, 12′ are usually manufactured from wood in the form of wood planks or plywood since such materials are relatively inexpensive, may be easily cut to size or joined together, may generally be reused a number of times, and is easily disposed of at the end of its useful life.

The opposed sides 14, 14′ are rigidly locked in place at the proper distance D1 by one or more locking devices 10, 10′. Each locking device 10, 10′ includes first and second locking halves 22, 24 with the first locking half 22 including a first mounting member 26 and a first extension member 28 and the second locking half 24 including a second mounting member 30 and a second extension member 32. The number of locking devices 10, 10′ which are required for a concrete forming structure 16 is dependent on several factors including the length and height of the concrete forming structure 16 and the weight of the concrete that will be poured into the concrete forming structure 16.

With reference to FIGS. 2, 4, and 5, the first and second mounting members 26, 30 are substantially identical, each comprising a vertical, U-shaped member. The mounting members 26, 30 are preferably manufactured from steel channel material having a base segment 34 connecting oppositely disposed leg segments 36, with the base segment 34 having a width substantially equal to 4.25 inches. There is an opening 38 in the upper end portion 40 of the base segment 34 for receiving the outboard end 42 of the associated extension member 28, 32. A tab segment 44 extends substantially perpendicularly from the inner face 46 of the base segment 34. The tab segment 44 is positioned at a distance 52 below the opening 38, with the distance being selected such that there is a predetermined distance between the bottom 48 of a extension member 28, 32 mounted within the opening 38 and the top surface 50 of the tab segment 44. This clearance ensures that the extension member 28, 32 does not become immersed in concrete held within the concrete forming structure 16. In a preferred embodiment this distance 52 is substantially equal to 1.875 inches.

The portion 54 of the base segment 34 disposed below the tab segment has at least one aperture and the tab segment 44 also has at least one aperture 56. A fastener such as a nail or a screw, is inserted through each of the apertures 56 into the wood material of the frame panel 12, 12′ to rigidly mount the mounting member 26, 30 and the associated locking half 22, 24 to a side 14, 14′ of the form. It should be appreciated that the number and positions of the apertures 56 is dependent on the dimensions of the wood material from which the frame panel 12, 12′ is manufactured. Preferably, the base segment 34 would have multiple, vertically spaced apertures 56 and the tab segment 44 would have a pair of laterally spaced apertures 58.

For a footing frame, the first mounting member 26 is mounted to the first side 14 by positioning the base and tab segments 34, 44 adjacent the outer side 20 and top 60 respectively, of one of the frame panels 12 and inserting fasteners through the apertures 56, 58 and into the wood material of the frame panel 12. The second mounting member 30 is mounted to the second side 14′ by positioning the base and tab segments 34, 44 adjacent the outer side 20′ and top 60′ respectively, of the frame panel 12′ which is opposite to the frame panel 12 to which the first mounting member 26 is mounted and inserting fasteners through the apertures 56, 58 into the wood material of the frame panel 12′.

With reference to FIG. 3, the second mounting member 30′ of a curbing frame includes a substantially vertical lower portion 62 and an upper portion 64 that extends vertically and inwardly from the lower portion 62, the inner faces 66, 68 of the lower and upper portions 62, 64 of the base segment defining an acute angle. The road-side frame panel 12′ is composed of lower and upper panel units. The second mounting member 30′ is mounted to the second side 14′ by positioning the upper portion 64 of the base segment 34′ and tab segment 44′ adjacent the outer side and top respectively, of the upper panel unit, positioning the lower portion 62 of the base segment 34′ adjacent the outer side of one of the lower panel unit, and inserting fasteners through the apertures 56′, 58′ and into the wood material of the upper and lower panel units.

The first and second extension members 28, 32 each include a horizontal, U-shaped member. The outboard ends 42 of the first and second extension members 28, 32 are fixedly mounted within the openings 38 in the upper end portion 40 of the base segments 34 of the first and second mounting members 26, 30, respectively, preferably by welding. The extension members 28, 32 are preferably manufactured from steel channel material having a base segment 70, 70′ connecting oppositely disposed leg segments 72, 72′. With reference to FIG. 7, the distance 74 between the outside surfaces of the leg segments 72 of the first extension member 28 is less than the distance 76 between the inside surfaces of the leg segments 72′ of the second extension member 32, whereby the first extension member 28 is slidably receivable within the channel 78 of the second extension member 32. The leg segments 72, 72′ of both the first and second extension members 28, 32 have substantially the same height H_(L). Accordingly, when the first extension member 28 is disposed within the channel 78 of the second extension member 32, the leg members 72 of the first extension member 28 extend downward past the bottom edges 80′ of the leg members 72′ of the second extension member 32.

A clamp assembly 82 is used to clamp the first and second extension members 28, 32 together, as described below, and thereby lock the opposed sides 14, 14′ at the proper distance D1. The clamp assembly 82 includes a U-shaped clamp member 84 having first and second arm segments 86, 86′ extending downwardly from a saddle segment 88. A threaded orifice 90 extends vertically through the center of the saddle segment 88. The arm segments 86, 86′ have substantially identical rectangular openings 92, 92′, with the opening 92 of the first arm segment 86 being aligned with the opening 92′ of the second arm segment 86′. The width 94 of each arm segment opening 92, 92′ is greater than the distance 96 between the outside surfaces of the leg segments 72′ of the second extension member 32 and the height 98 of each arm segment opening 92, 92′ is greater than the distance 99 between the upper surface 100 of the base segment 70′ of the second extension member 32 and the bottom edges 80 of the leg segments 72 of the first extension member 28, when the first extension member 28 is positioned within the channel 78 of the second extension member 32.

The design of the locking device 10, 10′ provides a great deal of flexibility in the manner in which the concrete forming structure is installed, depending on the preferences of the installer and the particular requirements and conditions of each installation. For example, the concrete forming structure may be installed by assembling the first and second sides 14, 14′ of frame panels 12, 12′ at the location where the footing is to be formed. The second mounting member 30, 30′ of a locking device 10, 10′ is mounted to one of the frame panels 12′ in the second side 14′ of frame panels with fasteners, as described above. Next, the second extension member 32 is inserted through both leg segment openings 92, 92′ of the clamp member 84, with the tip 102 of the bolt 104 contacting the upper surface 100′ of the base segment 70′. Preferably, the clamp assembly 82 is positioned adjacent the frame panel 12′ so that it does not interfere with installation of the first locking half 22. The first extension member 28 is then positioned within the channel 78 of the second extension member 32, and the first mounting member 26 is positioned adjacent to a frame panel 12 in the first side 14 of frame panels. The first mounting member 26 is then mounted to this frame panel 12, as described above.

After all of the locking devices 10, 10′ are mounted in this manner, the positions of the first and second sides 14, 14′ of frame panels 12, 12′ is verified and adjusted as necessary and the bolt 104 of each clamp assembly 82 is torqued, drawing the clamp member 84 up the threaded bolt shaft 106 until the bottom surface 108, 108′ of each opening 92, 92′ contacts the bottom edge 80 of the first extension member 28. The clamp member 84 carries the first extension member 28 upwards, as the bolt 104 is further torqued, until the upper surface 100 of the first extension member base segment 70 engages the lower surface 110 of the second extension member base segment 70′, clamping the two extension members 28, 32 together and locking the first locking half 22 in position relative to the second locking half 24.

It should be appreciated that the locking halves 22, 24 may be joined together before either mounting member 26, 30 is mounted to a frame panel 12, 12′ and that both mounting members 26, 30 may be mounted to a frame panel 12, 12′ before the locking halves 22, 24 are joined. It should also be appreciated that locking the relative positions of the first and second locking halves 22, 24 also locks the relative positions of the first and second sides 14, 14′ of frame panels 12, 12′ which are mounted to the locking devices 10, 10′.

Certain footings require rebar for additional mechanical strength. Where framing is to be mounted to the footing, it is advantageous to have threaded rod embedded in the footing and extending from the footing upper surface. The threaded rod is inserted through openings in the framing and nuts are installed on the threaded rod to lock the framing to the footing. With reference to FIG. 8, threaded rod, rebar, or the like 112, may be suspended from one or more support bracket 114 mounted on the extension members 28, 32 of the locking device 10′″. It should be appreciated that support brackets 114 may also be used with locking devices 10, 10″.

With further reference to FIGS. 9-12, each support bracket 114 includes a bracket member 116, a clamp member 118 and a bolt 120. The bracket member 116 has a U-shaped engagement section 122 comprising two side portions 124, 126 and a top portion 128 forming a horizontal channel 130 for receiving one of the extension members 28, 32. A mounting segment 132 extends substantially perpendicularly from the first side portion 124 of the engagement section 122, forming a horizontal platform having multiple openings 134. The C-shaped clamp member 118 has top and bottom portions 136, 138 and a side portion 140, the top and bottom portions 136, 138 being spaced a sufficient distance apart to form a channel 142 for receiving the second side portion 126 of the bracket member engagement section 122. The width of the bottom portion 138 is greater than the width of the top portion 136, such that the bottom portion 138 partially closes the opening 144 of the channel 130 of the bracket member engagement section 122, as described below.

The support bracket 114 is installed by positioning the bracket member 116 adjacent to one of the extension members 28, 32, proximate to the desired location of the threaded rod 112, etc., and lowering the bracket member 116 over the extension member 28, 32 such that the extension member 28, 32 is received in channel 130. The clamp member 118 is then positioned such that the second side portion 126 is received within channel 142 and the bottom portion 138 closes one side of channel opening 144. The threaded shaft 146 of the bolt 120 is inserted through an opening 148 in the clamp member side portion 140 and an opening 150 in the bracket member second side portion 126, and the bolt 120 is torqued such that the threaded shaft 146 threadably engages a nut 152 mounted to the inner surface of the bracket member second side portion 126, thereby mounting the clamp member 118 to the bracket member 116 and locking the extension member 28, 32 within channel 130. The distal end 154 of the threaded shaft 146 and the inner surface 156 of the bracket member first side portion 124 may engage the sides of the extension member 28, 32 to further lock the support bracket 114 in position on the locking device 10, 10′, 10′″. Alternatively, the support bracket 114 may not engage the sides of the extension member 28, 32. The threaded rod 112, rebar, etc. is mounted to the support bracket 114 by wire, string 158 or equivalent material, with one end of the string 158 being tied to an upper end portion of the rod 112 and the opposite end of the string 158 being extending through one of the openings 134 and being tied to the mounting segment 132.

While preferred embodiments have been shown and described, various modifications and substitutions may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the present invention has been described by way of illustration and not limitation. 

1. A locking device for use with a concrete framing structure having a plurality of frame panels forming opposed first and second sides, each of the frame panels having a side and a top, the locking device comprising: a first locking half including a first mounting member adapted for rigidly holding one of the frame panels of the first side of the concrete forming structure, and a horizontal, U-shaped first extension member mounted to the first mounting member, the first extension member having a base segment connecting oppositely disposed leg segments; a second locking half including a second mounting member adapted for rigidly holding one of the frame panels of the second side of the concrete forming structure, and a horizontal, U-shaped second extension member mounted to the second mounting member, the second extension member having a base segment connecting oppositely disposed leg segments, the base segment and leg segments defining a channel, the first extension member being receivable within the second extension member channel; and a clamp assembly including a U-shaped clamp member having first and second arm segments extending downwardly from a saddle segment, each of the arm segments defining an opening for receiving the first and second extension members, the saddle segment defining a substantially circular, threaded orifice, and a bolt having a threaded shaft extending to a bolt tip, the threaded shaft being threadably engaged in the clamp member threaded orifice, the bolt tip engaging an upper surface of the second extension member base segment; wherein the first mounting member is locked at a predetermined distance from the second mounting member by torquing the clamp assembly bolt, whereby a bottom surface of each clamp member leg segment opening engages a bottom edge of each leg segment of the first extension member to clamp the first extension member to the second extension member.
 2. The locking device of claim 1 wherein when the clamp assembly bolt is torqued and the bottom surface of each clamp member leg segment opening engages the bottom edge of each leg segment of the first extension member, further torquing of the bolt draws an upper surface of the first extension member base segment into frictional engagement with a lower surface of the second extension member base segment.
 3. The locking device of claim 1 wherein the openings of the clamp member arm segments each have a substantially rectangular shape.
 4. The locking device of claim 3 wherein the opening of the clamp member first arm segment is substantially aligned with the opening of the clamp member second arm segment.
 5. The locking device of claim 1 wherein the leg segments of each of the extension members each have an outside surface and an inside surface, the outside surfaces of the leg segments of the first extension member defining a distance that is less than a distance between the inside surfaces of the leg segments of the second extension member, whereby the first extension member is slidably movable within the second extension member channel.
 6. The locking device of claim 5 the leg segments of each of the extension members each have a height, the height of the leg segments of the first extension member being substantially equal to the height of the leg segments of the second extension member, whereby the leg segments of the first extension member extend below the leg segments of the second extension member when the first extension member is disposed within the second extension member channel.
 7. The locking device of claim 1 further comprising a support bracket mountable on one of the extension members, the support bracket being adapted for suspending an object between the frame panels of the concrete framing structure.
 8. The locking device of claim 7 wherein the support bracket includes: a bracket member defining a channel having an opening, the extension member being insertable through the opening into the channel; a clamp member; and a bolt removably mounting the clamp member to the bracket member, whereby the clamp member closes at least a portion of the opening to retain the extension member in the channel.
 9. The locking device of claim 8 wherein the bracket member includes: a U-shaped engagement section forming the channel for receiving the extension member; and a mounting segment extending substantially horizontally from the engagement section, the mounting segment defining at least one opening adapted for receiving a wire or a string mounted to an end of the object.
 10. The locking device of claim 9 wherein the engagement section of the bracket member includes: first and second side portions, each of the side portions having an inner surface, the mounting segment extending substantially perpendicularly from the first side portion, the second side portion defining an opening; a top portion connecting the first and second side portions, the side portions and the top portion forming the channel for receiving the extension member; and a threaded nut mounted to the inner surface of the second side portion coaxial with the opening, the nut being threadably engageable with a threaded shaft of the bolt.
 11. The locking device of claim 10 wherein the clamp member is C-shaped including: a top portion; a bottom portion; and a side portion connecting the top and bottom portions, the side portion defining an opening; wherein the top and bottom portions and the side portion define a channel for receiving the second side portion of the bracket member engagement section.
 12. The locking device of claim 11 wherein the clamp member top and bottom portions each have a width, the width of the bottom portion being greater than the width of the top portion, whereby the bottom portion at least partially closes the opening of the channel of the bracket member engagement section when the clamp member is mounted to the bracket member.
 13. A locking device for use with a concrete framing structure having a plurality of frame panels forming opposed first and second sides, each of the frame panels having a side and a top, the locking device comprising: a first locking half including a first mounting member and a first extension member mounted to the first mounting member, the first mounting member being adapted for rigidly holding one of the frame panels of the first side of the concrete forming structure; a second locking half including a second mounting member and a second extension member mounted to the second mounting member, the second mounting member being adapted for rigidly holding one of the frame panels of the second side of the concrete forming structure; a support bracket mountable on one of the extension members, the support bracket being adapted for suspending an object between the frame panels of the concrete framing structure; and a clamp assembly including a clamp member defining at least one opening for receiving the first and second extension members, and a bolt having a threaded shaft threadably engaged with the clamp member; wherein the first mounting member is locked at a predetermined distance from the second mounting member by torquing the clamp assembly bolt, whereby the first extension member is clamped to the second extension member.
 14. A locking device for use with a concrete framing structure having a plurality of frame panels forming opposed first and second sides, each of the frame panels having a side and a top, the locking device comprising: a first locking half including a first mounting member and a first extension member mounted to the first mounting member, the first mounting member being adapted for rigidly holding one of the frame panels of the first side of the concrete forming structure; a second locking half including a second mounting member and a second extension member mounted to the second mounting member, the second mounting member being adapted for rigidly holding one of the frame panels of the second side of the concrete forming structure; a support bracket adapted for suspending an object between the frame panels of the concrete framing structure, the support bracket including a bracket member defining a channel having an opening, the extension member being insertable through the opening into the channel; a clamp member removably mountable to the bracket member, the clamp member closing at least a portion of the opening to retain the extension member in the channel; and a clamp assembly including a clamp member receiving the first and second extension members, and a bolt having a threaded shaft threadably engaged with the clamp member; wherein the first mounting member is locked at a predetermined distance from the second mounting member by torquing the clamp assembly bolt, whereby the first extension member is clamped to the second extension member. 